cover  Goodbye by Remi Walle

“I really don’t want to say goodbye to any of you people.”
– Christa McAuliffe

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Sean Rowe
w/ To Leave Something Behind

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To Leave Something Behind
elimination day (based on responses from eps. ii the pursuit of happiness)

developed by Kendall F. Person

We cannot turn away, no matter how hard we try. One glance at the news, out of the corner of our eyes and we are reminded of why we are here. President-elect Trump names Stephen Bannon to a top post. The beloved Oprah is turned on by her fans, for what I am certain, providing hope and comfort, was the intent behind her words. And yet another comedian booed off the stage, for political jokes, that we use to laugh at. So much hate and division and fear. But something happened to erase the despair. A writer who had just published a scathing post, full of national sorrow, linked  ‘common ground’ into their blog, for what I imagine was to share a flicker of hope, that 12 courageous Americans provide in the search for common ground.

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Lisa Troedson led from pillar to post on the most valuable score card: The Public Vote. But when combined with 3 other scores  (Judges Panel, The Inner Circle and the Show Card), as they say in Vegas: always bet on Black, as Ryan would nip her at the finish line. But the real surprise came out of Philly, as Michael OG Law turned a 2-party platform, into a 3-party race. Bravo to each of you for your thought-providing responses and commitment to the search.

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The American in Australia – Joe Flower – would not allow an 18 hour time difference from his turn at the megaphone. And his response to the question as if he were giving  the speech, was an imaginative method in getting his point across.

It is clear, that  Lawrence Pierce III – one of two millenniums here  – although steadfast in his party support, and while still growing and learning what life is all about, contributing a well thought out response, when he could have jumped ship as his candidate won, displays the rare ability, to become a leader that we all can embrace.

And with his strong showing on every score card, that despite his reluctance to share his voice, the importance of Mac Aguilar’s contribution, cannot be denied.

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Even hit with a penalty for being late, Shirley Newman was never in real danger. Her can’t-we-all-just-get-along type response and with her never-ending cheer-leading backstage, for the time being at least, she has been endeared to the search.

Jamal and We’Derrious both left question marks. Jamal’s answer, while well written his emotions were not hidden and overwhelmed the spirit of his response. But perhaps, that was his point.

And We’Derrious’ response may have stood a chance, if only it had been a different question that was asked; and if only the other millennium had not reached so much higher.

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Everyone has a contribution to make, even if you end up in the bottom 3. But the decision of who to eliminate, was quite  elementary. Not everyone is ready to make their contribution, so perhaps the next time. Rachel did not try (or maybe she did). But it was Sarah, whose response was most unfortunate, and may have offended the voters, more so than even Rachel (since at least she was focused). During the middle of her audio response, she would entertain a conversation with someone else, even as she was speaking to a nation she was here to help. As for David Tapscott, his through the night fight for votes, was not lost on anyone.

So who stays and who goes….

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Goodbye Rachel and Sarah. Thank you for  trying to leave something behind.

The Search for COMMON GROUND continues on Sunday Nov 20th.